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2016 LEWISTON CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Schedules can always change so always double check the times.
Chamber events calendar: http://goo.gl/qtGwS1
Art Council schedule: http://www.artcouncil.org/
Wine Trail schedule: http://niagarawinetrail.org/2016-event-schedule/
NACC Event calendar: http://goo.gl/RfumJc
Lew-Port School calendar: http://www.lew-port.com/Page/2
Marble Orchard Ghost Walks (Saturdays in Sept. and Oct.)
http://www.artcouncil.org/events/marbleorchardghostwalks.php
Sept. 9-11 Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Festival http://www.lewistonpeachfestival.org
Sept. 24-25 Harvest Festival, 754-9500
Sept. 28 Historical Association Annual Celebration, 754-4214
Oct. 25 6 Times the World was Saved, Sanborn Fire Hall, 7:30pm
Dec. 3-4 Tour of Homes and Christmas Walk, 754-4214
Dec. 19 Tuscarora Heroes Remembrance
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THE NIAGARA GORGE AND ITS 12,000 YEAR STORY
Thursday, September 22, 2016, 7pm
Lutheran Church of the Messiah, 915 Oneida St., Lewiston, NY
Free and all are invited
Our new season of historic presentations kickoffs this month with a
fascinating program on the 7-mile evolution of Niagara Falls — from its
Ice Age beginnings here in Lewiston to where it stands today as one of
the world’s top natural wonders and destinations.
“The Niagara Gorge and its 12,000 Year Story” will be presented by
Dr. Paul Young, professor emeritus at Canisius College, next week on
Thursday, Sept. 22, at 7pm, at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah at 915
Oneida Street, here in Lewiston. Use the side entrance.
Many people are unaware that Niagara Falls and its gorge have been
shaped by the tremendous forces of past glaciers and river systems into
five distinct sections, each with its own characteristics and related
stories including whirlpool reversal, the other-left-behind-falls along
the Niagara Escarpment, rock structures transported from both the
northern and southern hemispheres, coral beds, dry falls and glacier
Lake Tonawanda.
This program is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served.
Come and join us!
Save the dates for these forthcoming programs too:
Oct. 27, 2016 Lewis Buttery, Great Gorge RR: 1895—1935
Jan. 26, 2017 Neil Patterson, Tuscarora Nation
Feb. 23, 2017 Doug DeCroix, Great Lakes Naval Aviation
Mar. 23, 2017 Michael McCarthy, The Deep Cut (Erie Canal)
Apr. 27, 2017 Chet Fery, Bread Time — the Power of Kindness
May 25, 2017 Jason Buckley, Links and Chains — Frontier Surveying
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HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Wednesday, September 28, 6pm
Niagara Frontier Country Club
1058 Lake Road, Youngstown, NY
Tickets: $45 per person
RSVP by September 16
For reservations and info, call 716-754-4214
Every year the Historical Association celebrates our rich heritage
by honoring those individuals who have made special contributions to
Lewiston’s legacy.
Please join us this year in honoring Lewiston’s finest volunteers.
The Benjamin Barton Award for Outstanding Contribution will be awarded
to Jennifer Stockinger & daughter Caitlyn, along with the Lewiston
Garden Club for the tremendous job they do in keeping Lewiston
beautiful. The Josiah Tryon Volunteer of the Year Award will be given
to Carolyn Gray, the super-volunteer who has worked at the Museum
for more than six years. Lloyd Draper will be the recipient of our Friend
of History Award for his continued support for the Museum and for
sharing his wonderful artifacts.
Enjoy the great food while you meet old friends and make new ones
at the Niagara Frontier Country Club in Youngstown, on Wednesday,
September 28 at 6pm.
Don’t delay. Reservations must be made quickly. You can call
754-4214 and get your tickets over the phone with a credit card. We
look forward to seeing you there for an evening of fun, conversation and
fellowship.
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION PUBLIC OUTREACH SESSION
Thursday, September 22, 6pm
Lewiston Village Hall (Red Brick School)
145 N. 4th Street, Lewiston, NY
The Lewiston Village Board has recently separated the Planning
Board and the Historic Preservation Commission. The new members of
the Village of Lewiston Historic Preservation Commission will be holding
a public outreach session to explain its role and listen to comments
from residents regarding the protection and preservation of historical
properties and aspects of the Village. Those with historical properties
are urged to attend to obtain information about the proper care of their
homes or businesses, the processes for making changes to historical
properties, and the possibilities of earning tax credits.
This meeting starts at 6pm, so you can spend an hour, and then head
over to the Niagara Gorge presentation by the Historical Association of
Lewiston at the Lutheran Church, 915 Oneida Street, at 7pm.
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HOW FIRST BRIDGE ACROSS NIAGARA GOT ITS START
16-year old from Niagara Falls wins the prize connecting both sides
See latest placemat here: http://goo.gl/5wFweo
Few people realize that the first bridge spanning the Lower Niagara
River actually started with a kite string!
Homan Walsh, age 16, won the $10 prize and bragging rights when his
barn door kite he called “Union” successfully crossed the river in the
winter of 1848. The bridge, which was located near today’s Whirlpool
Bridge, spanned the river at its narrowest point above the treacherous
rapids.
This is the 46th placemat in a series which began 11 years ago.
Thanks to Al Frosolone and all the great folks at Niagara’s Choice
Credit Union for their continued and valued sponsorship.
The placemats are distributed at Apple Granny and the Villa Coffee
Shop.
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Chamber video of Lewiston. Nice!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2zykvyZ4G4
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NINA DIGREGORIO AND THE BELLA ELECTRIC STRINGS
Friday, September 16, 8pm
Riviera Theatre, 67 Wester Street, North Tonawanda, NY
Info: http://www.rivieratheatre.org/event/violin-femmes/
Did you know that a 1999 Lew-Port graduate is rocking the house in
Las Vegas and has performed with the nation’s biggest stars, even
appearing at the White House?
Nina DiGregorio is now regarded as one of the most talented
electronic violinists in the world and is making music history as a
pioneer in her genre.
She’ll be back in Western New York Friday night at the Riviera
Theatre in North Tonawanda for a spectacular show you won’t want to
miss.
Nina is the daughter of Lewiston residents, Tony and Theresa
DiGregorio. Tony is retired from the Niagara County Sheriff’s
Department and Theresa works at NCCC. After Lew-Port, Nina went on to
graduate from UB in 2004.
Congratulations Nina! Another Lew-Port grad makes her mark on the
national stage!
You can get more information about Friday night’s performance and
tickets here: http://www.rivieratheatre.org/event/violin-femmes/
You can learn more about Nina’s amazing career here:
http://bellastrings.com/portfolio/nina/
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RE-DEDICATION CEREMONY
Saturday, Sept. 17, 11am
French Castle, Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown, NY
For more info, call 585-589-1640
The Niagara Frontier Chapter of the Daughters of 1812 will be
rededicating a plaque that was placed at Ft. Niagara’s French Castle 100
years ago. The plaque provides a brief history of the Fort that was
built by the French in 1726 and is today a National Historic Landmark.
You’ll pay the regular admission fee at the Fort entrance.
After the ceremony, everyone is welcomed to join in a dutch-treat
luncheon at the Old Stone Jug on Main Street in Youngstown. If you are
a descendent of one of the soldiers who fought in the War of 1812, you
should join the Daughter organization. It’s a great group of patriot
women who promote our history and freedom!
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RAVE REVIEWS FROM PATRONS ABOUT NEW ADVENTURE ROOM
765 Cayuga Street, Lewiston, NY (behind Tin Pan Alley)
By appointment only: Tues-Sun, 11am-9pm (Sunday till 4pm)
Admission: $20 per person (parties from 4-8 people)
For more info call: Patti Lank at 716-713-9066
A new Lewiston business is getting rave reviews on TripAdvisor.
Even though it has only been in operation for a few weeks, it’s quickly
rising in the ranks to become one of Lewiston’s top attractions. One
recent patron said, “I’ve never experienced an hour that went by so
fast!”
Reality Rooms Niagara is an exciting, heart pounding, real life
gaming experience. Whether you are climbing on board the Wizard train,
or searching for a million dollar wine bottle, you and your friends will
be hunting for clues, codes, symbols and hidden artifacts that,
hopefully, will help you and your friends solve the puzzle and escape
within an hour.
So put on your Sherlock Holmes hat, grab your best detective
friends, and immerse yourself in a super-sleuth adventure that will
challenge your wits. This is great for parties, team-building, or just
a fun night out.
Congratulations and much success to Patti and Jim Lank for their
new start-up! Patti and Jim are 23 year residents of Lewiston.
You can see the TripAdvisor reviews here: https://goo.gl/4EW0qi
You can get more information here: http://goo.gl/U60cFK
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WELCH FAMILY DISPLAYS 1813 RELIC
Settlers grabbed silver utensils as they ran for their lives
In 1954, Lewiston historian Helen Kimball wrote a small booklet
called, A Homely Approach to Lewiston, NY.
In discussing the British attack on Lewiston during the War of
1812, she mentions, “Dr. Alvord, one of the village physicians was
killed but Dr. Willard Smith escaped down the Ridge and aided the Cookes
to escape. The Spaulding family had the table all set for a meal, they
gathered everything up in a tablecloth and ran. One of the silver
spoons included in the contents of the cloth is now in the possession of
Ralph Hotchkiss, one of the descendants.”
Lewiston resident Bob Welch is the grandson of Ralph Hotchkiss.
Did Bob have possession of the famous spoon? YES! Better yet, Bob has
allowed us to photograph it.
To our knowledge, it is the only relic in existence from that
horrific attack. The Tuscaroras recused dozens of local residents from
a terrible fate that day. You can see a photo of the spoon here:
https://goo.gl/dkqBk6
You’ll notice it is engraved with Rufus Spaulding’s initials.
A big thank you to Bob and Anne Welch for sharing this important
artifact from Lewiston’s most important day in history.
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HONORING THE ICONIC VROOMAN FAMILY
Family has been community pillars for over 200 years
Vrooman Drive in Lewiston was named for the late John Vrooman, a
former Lewiston councilman who served the town in the 1960s and 70s.
You can see his son, Bill Vrooman, and Bill’s wife, Barb, standing
underneath the Vrooman street sign here: https://goo.gl/KcxFNq
Some of the earliest history for the Vrooman family begins during
the Revolutionary War, just east of Albany. Captain Tunis Vrooman and
his family were attacked by a party of Mohawks that sided with the
British. The Captain was killed and his 10 year old son, John, was
struck by a bullet and taken prisoner. Despite his leg wound, he was
forced to walk with other prisoners hundreds of miles to Fort Niagara.
When he arrived at the Fort he was adopted by local Indians.
After the war, he made his way back the family homestead near
Albany, got married and became a prosperous farmer. However, he never
forgot the fond memories he had of the Niagara area. After the War of
1812, John packed up his family and purchased an 88 acre farm “not far
from the 4 mile creek and Tower’s Corners.”
John Vrooman was the father of Harmonius, who was the father of
John, who was the father of Sidney, who was the father of another John,
who was the father of William Henry, who was the father of John (the
Lewiston councilman), who was the father of today’s Bill Vrooman.
Thank you, Vrooman family, for being a valued part of this
community for over 200 years! We appreciate everything you do to make
this area shine! We are proud to call you neighbors and friends!
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MARBLE ORCHARD GHOST WALKS
Saturdays in September and October, 7pm
476 Center Street, Lewiston
Tickets: $15 ($5 for children under 12)
For info call: 716-754-0166
http://www.artcouncil.org/events/marbleorchardghostwalks.php
Bring a flashlight — it gets dark early in the grave yard!
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*** AWESOME VIDEO ***
See Niagara Falls like you’ve never seen it before — from a
small drone helicopter. This was posted in July and has been viewed
more than 1.2 million times! Click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=cfoLYTKObiU
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NO HURRICANES, FOREST FIRES OR MUD SLIDES HERE
Yes, we have our share of snow, but for the most part, Western New
York is immune from the kinds of natural disasters that wreak havoc with
other sections of the country.
In fact, we live in one of the safest regions — the 4th safest in
the U.S. You might interested in learning about the Top 10 Safest
Cities: http://goo.gl/qNkhI1
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LEWISTON’S NEW “GOOD LUCK” KEEPSAKE
It’s Lewiston’s new “good luck” keepsake — a special Lewiston coin
that will become a sought-after collectible for generations. That’s why
you’ll want to get as many of these coins as you can to give as gifts to
your family members, loved ones, and former Lewiston residents who will
treasure the artistry and the message this coin conveys.
When you combine the Native American symbolism, the engraved
inscriptions and the high-relief 3-D design, along with the topicality of
the Tuscarora Heroes and the emerging appreciation of how dozens of
Lewiston residents were saved 200 years ago, you end up with a
precious memento that underscores the timeless friendship and bond
between the Tuscaroras and Lewistonians.
Now we can all be proud owners of a coin that captures the spirit of
brotherhood and deep bond that exists between us.
ALL proceeds from the sale of the coin will go to the Tuscarora Heroes
Monument project which will culminate in a spectacular unveiling on the evening of December 19, 2013 — 200 years to the day when a small band of Tuscarora men bravely halted the British attack on Lewiston and enabled dozens of Lewiston citizens to escape.
You can see the coin and get more details here: http://goo.gl/Bn5Dc
Still don’t know much about how the Tuscaroras saved us? It’s time
you learned the whole story. You can get the Tuscarora Heroes book at
DiCamillo’s in Lewiston, the Lewiston Museum, or the Book Corner in
Niagara Falls. It’s one of the most fascinating and unusual stories in
American history.
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Check out this new video trailer for the Historical Association,
produced by volunteer board member, Claudia Carnes. Great job,
Claudia! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGULRtWiakk
If you aren’t a member yet, maybe this will convince you!
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Do you remember Lewiston’s slogan from the 1960s?
“Progressively proud. Historically endowed.”
Charles Foss (Jackie Sutherland’s dad) won the slogan contest!
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NEW TUSCARORA HEROES EDITION RELEASED
The newly revised sixth edition of the Tuscarora Heroes book has
been published by the Historical Association of Lewiston and is now
available at the Lewiston Museum, DiCamillos Bakery in Lewiston, the
Orange Cat Coffee Co., the Book Corner in Niagara Falls, and the Lewiston Town and Village halls.
The book, first published in 2010, includes several changes
including a new cover photo of the monument by photographer Bill
Carpenter and additional information about the British attack on
Lewiston in December 1813. Updated information about the identity of
the “Western Indian” attackers is also provided.
“We sold out of our supply the night the Tuscarora Heroes Monument
was unveiled on December 19,” said Lewiston Museum director Pam Hauth. Lee Simonson wrote the book as a volunteer and all proceeds go the Lewiston Museum. Groups or organizations interested in having him speak on the topic are welcomed to contact the Lewiston Museum at 716-754-4214 for arrangements.
The Tuscarora Heroes was the largest War of 1812 Bicentennial
monument project in the United States.
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“FROM THE MOUTH OF THE LOWER NIAGARA RIVER”
New book about Lewiston, Queenston, Youngstown and Niagara-on-the-Lake
Available by calling the Lewiston Museum at 716-754-4214
Published to commemorate 200 years of peace between Canada and the
U.S., this new book contains local stories from nine different authors —
all trans-river neighbors who met monthly and communicated electronically
for over three years to share history, oral stories, anecdotes, maps, and
photos.
Although the book follows a timeline and takes up some history, it is
not just about the “facts.” It presents some of the social history of the
lower Niagara River region.
Net proceeds from the book sales will be shared by three historical
societies — the Historical Association of Lewiston, Town of Porter
Historical Society and the Niagara Historical Society and Museum in
Niagara-on-the-Lake. All of these museums assisted with the research and provided historic images.
This unique collaborative bi-national writing project was funded by a
grant from the Niagara County Host Standing Committee of the Niagara River Greenway Commission, spearheaded by Vice Chair of the Niagara County Legislature, Clyde Burmaster, and a donation from the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.
The book sells for $19.95 in both Canada and the United States.
Americans can get the book by calling the Lewiston Museum at
716-754-4214, while Canadians can contact the Niagara Museum in
Niagara-on-the-Lake.
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BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
Lewiston sets new standard for hospitality within reenactor community Spectacular cannon/fireworks demonstration highlighted weekend
Rave reviews have been received from across America praising Lewiston and its volunteers for hosting what some reenactors are calling “the best event ever!” Virtually each of the 200 reenactors who visited the event said that they have never received the hospitality and accommodations that Lewiston offered — the most friendly and gracious town they’ve experienced!
The commemoration of the 200 Anniversary of the first major battle of
the War of 1812 took place on October 12-14, with venues in both Lewiston and Queenston.
Here is a compilation of some of the photos and videos you can find
online that have captured the event.
Bill Carpenter’s Photographs (more being posted)
http://www.pbase.com/decarr/battle_of_queenston_heights
Cannon Bombardment Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8kYCcILSjs
Friday Education Day with Student Field Trippers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1BfyVGG5oE
Cannon Fire Over the Gorge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEn4Ym2eLRY
A Flash in the Pan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn_u8tdWagg
Sun on the Canvas and Cakes in the Pan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orbmnezTtAE
Barton Hill Gala and Cannon Set Up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fz2_otL6hM
Battle Reenactment on the Canadian Side
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YNHPtBQwcQ
Battle Reenactment on Canadian Side (near end of battle)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1snXVVXrnS8
More Canadian Action and Speeches (in High Def)
http://vimeo.com/51749843
U.S. Air Force Flyover of Lewiston (just before bombardment)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9LB29K2vwA
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LEWISTON: TOP 10 TOWNS IN AMERICA TO VISIT THIS SUMMER!
http://www.mikesroadtrip.com/ten-10-road-trip-towns-2012/
Lewiston is still basking in the Travel Channel glow… We were one
of the towns featured on the Travel Channel on July 25 for the Best of the Road rally. It’s nice to see Lewiston on the national map as one of the Top 6 towns in America for “Best for Food.”
But that’s not all! Mike’s Road Trip has just published the “Top 10
Towns to Visit” list and Lewiston is included as one of the friendliest
places in America. It was great to host Mike during his Rand
McNally/Travel Channel visit in June, and we look forward to seeing him again! Thanks, Mike!
Lewiston’s popularity continues to grow across the nation as its charm
and quality of life attracts more visitors and people who want to move
here.
SPECTACULAR FLAMES EVENT CAPTURED IN PHOTOS
Thank you to all the reenactors, from both sides of the border,
and Wendt’s Propane for putting on a tremendous show.
Thousands turned out to this year’s Flames Through Lewiston event
to enjoy seeing all the action — British redcoats, American soldiers,
natives, and of course the music, the muskets, and the fires from
Wendt’s Propane! The weather cooperated and it was a great night
commemorating Lewiston’s history. This was a 100% volunteer effort
and we want to thank all the volunteer reenactors and organizers for a
tremendous and spectacular evening.
Here are the links to the videos and photographs that were taken that
night. We thank local professional photographer Bill Carpenter, and his crew, for the great shots. We also thank the video photographers and the press for the great coverage.
Professional pictures by DeCarr Photography:
http://www.pbase.com/decarr/flames_through_lewiston-2011
Buffalo News article with picture:
http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article676804.ece
Gazette front page article with photos:
http://tinyurl.com/6q84e3r
Chris Budde Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVO_F1W_7PI
JAFERGarazzi Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcSKZ57V4II
Lewiston Lions Club Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj_UR_AX088
Still Pictures from Sentinel (click on Flames Through Lewiston)
http://www.wnypapers.com/image-gallery
Sentinel Videos on YouTube
http://bit.ly/A6AVJn
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Do you enjoy Historic Lewiston News? Maybe your friends would too. Feel
free to forward this newsletter. Better yet, just have your friends send
an email to: join@HistoricLewiston.org and we’ll put them on the list.
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MEMBERSHIP TIME
New Lifetime Member Option – Easy Sign Up on PayPal
Yes, it’s Historical Association membership time — a wonderful
opportunity to become a part of Lewiston’s emergence as Western New
York’s cultural centerpiece.
Membership Options:
Individual membership: $25 ($20 for seniors) (may purchase one
discounted ticket to the Tour of Homes)
Family membership: $40 (may purchase two discounted tickets to
the Tour of Homes)
Patron membership: $50 same as Family membership
Business membership: $100 (includes four discounted tickets to
the Tour of Homes)
Lifetime Member, $150 ($250 for family) (may purchase one
discounted ticket to the Tour of Homes, two discounted tickets
for family membership)
HOW TO RENEW OR BECOME A MEMBER: The easiest way to join is to
use PayPal online here: http://historiclewiston.org/gift.html
Otherwise just send a check payable to: Historical Association
of Lewiston, PO Box 43, Lewiston, New York 14092
Be sure to include your name, mailing address, email address,
and phone number. You can also call up 716-754-4214 and charge your
membership over the phone.
Either way, you’ll know you’re doing your part in preserving and
promoting Lewiston’s rich heritage. Thank you!
Stay tuned for the latest programs and events sponsored
by the Historical Association of Lewiston, New York